Over 10% of A/L candidates fail to secure a simple pass

More than 10% of students who sat the 2024 G.C.E.

Advanced Level (A/L) Examination failed to secure even a simple pass each in any of their main subjects.Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara told media yesterday that 29,244 candidates — or 10.66% of the total — had failed in all three main subjects.



“It is concerning that such a large number of students are failing each year, especially considering the significant investment made by the state in the education sector,” Jayasundara said. Out of the 331,850 students who sat for the examination, only 9,458 candidates (3.45%) obtained ‘A’ passes in all three main subjects.

Despite the number of failures, there was a positive trend in university eligibility. A total of 177,588 candidates — or 64.73% — qualified to apply for university admission, indicating an increase compared to last year’s figures.

The results of the 2024 A/L examination were released online on Saturday evening. by Chaminda Silva.